July, 2008.
Because of Nami and Juzo's death, Mizuki was adopted by her uncle, Mark, and had lived with them ever since. But her cousin, Angel, and her friends developed a hatred, for an insignificant reason, towards her. Mocking, taunting, bullying, and shaming Mizuki became part of their daily lives. Fortunately, Mizuki has Shiela and Madison with her to help. Madison was a transferred student from Saitama in the year 2007. Both of them can be considered as Mizuki's best friends. Not to mention Jiro, who became a close friend of hers and would always change every unfavorable situation into something in favor of Mizuki.
Two years had passed and the once heavy wound etched in Mizuki's heart slowly turned into a scar— a scar that will never be healed, erased, and forgotten. A scar bound to stay with her eternally. Mizuki is now 10 years old and in 5th grade. Her features were slowly maturing. Jiro on the other hand, was still as handsome and stunning just like on the night they had first met.
Today, Mizuki and her friends agreed to attend Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, an annual fireworks festival held on the last Saturday in July, over the Sumidagawa near Asakusa. It follows the Japanese tradition of being a competition between rival pyrotechnic groups. The rituals and celebrations in which the fireworks took part played multiple roles. These were mourning observances for the dead, as well as celebrations of life, and entertainment for the poverty-stricken masses.
Of course, Jiro is coming with them.
"Mizuki! Why do they have to come? Aren't I also your friend? You should just come with me. Me!"
He's been complaining nonstop to Mizuki for an hour now. Mizuki would always answer him with the same answer.
"I'm the only one who can see and hear you! I don't wanna look crazy. Moreover, it's more fun being with them," she said while tying the ribbon of her yukata, a robe usually worn on summer festivals in Japan. Her hair has been tied into a bun by her Aunt Sydny.
Jiro threw a small pillow to Mizuki before lying down on Mizuki's bed and covering his body with a blanket. His ears were still visible though because of his height. He even had to curl his body like a shrimp to fit in her bed. Mizuki has long been used to this childish attitude of Jiro. She chuckled and pulled the blanket.
"Big bro, let's go. They are already waiting," she said gently. Jiro shut his eyes and crossed his arms while lying on his left side. His broad and masculine back was facing Mizuki.
"You don't want to? Oh sure, I'll go alone. Bye-bye," Mizuki grabbed her purse and went to open the door. She shrieked when Jiro suddenly appeared in front of her right after opening the door, leaning casually.
"You almost gave me a heart attack big bro!"
"I'll go with you. Let's go," Jiro went ahead of her, still unhappy with her decision.
"We're wearing the same color."
Jiro looked behind him and saw her wearing a green yukata, a thing that he failed to notice earlier. A teasing smile flashed on Mizuki's face but quickly disappeared when Jiro turned his back on her. But she didn't see when his lips curved upward.
When they got to the place, a lot of people were already there. It took them a couple of minutes before managing to find Shiela and Madison who were also wearing yukata.
"I'm sorry we got lost," Mizuki apologized. Jiro nudged her when Shiela and Madison glanced at each other.
"We? But you're all alone," Mizuki froze.
"I got lost, I didn't say we?" She tried to speak clearly and calmly.
"Hm, maybe I heard it wrong. Let's sit now," Shiela smiled. Mizuki secretly sighed in relief. Shiela sat on a pink fabric lying on the ground. There was also a basket filled with food for dinner. The place was crowded. Not all women were wearing yukata, some just wore casual clothes. Mizuki felt peace. She was happy that she met Shiela and Madison. She felt content despite being orphaned at such a young age. Jiro sat beside her silently. Not caring about others, only looking out for Mizuki.
They talked and laughed for an hour before standing for the awaited fireworks display. At exactly 7:00 pm, different colors burst in the sky, accompanied by loud noises from the audience's cheers. Mizuki, Shiela, and Madison took photos and were jumping with joy. Jiro would sometimes photo bomb with them. But others can't see his silly acts, only Mizuki can. She tried hard to suppress her laughter.
After some minutes, Jiro got bored. He stared at Mizuki and thought of how fast the time flies. The once little girl she comforted in a dark room is slowly growing up into a fine teen. He smiled wryly. Mizuki glanced at him and met his eyes. She smiled widely and bent her neck a little, asking if he's okay. Jiro walked towards Mizuki and whispered.
"What's interesting with those colorful yet noisy fireworks? I'm more beautiful than them."
Mizuki secretly rolled her eyes and continued laughing with her friends. It's not like she could answer Jiro right now. There were a lot of people. Jiro is aware of it, so he once again sulked on the side, completely forgotten by human child Mizuki.
After almost two hours of the fireworks festival, Mizuki and her friends went for a stroll around the vicinity, enjoying the breeze of the night. A lot of food stalls were placed everywhere. They have eaten their fill. Jiro just followed along. Sometimes, he would suddenly appear in front of Mizuki with a funny face. The latter would giggle secretly.
"Dear, did you have fun?" Sydny asked right after opening the main door for Mizuki.
"Yes, Aunty. Thank you for this makeup and yukata," Mizuki smiled and kissed Sydny's cheeks.
"You're always welcome dear. Go ahead, I know you're tired."
"Thanks again Aunty, good night."
Mizuki hurriedly went upstairs to talk to Jiro who was unhappy the whole event. When she came into her room, she found Jiro sleeping on her bed with knitted brows.
"Big bro," she called out. "Are you really mad?"
"I am," he quickly answered.
"Hm," Mizuki thought of praise for Jiro.
"You're right," she started.
"With what?"Jiro opened his eyes to look at Mizuki.
"You're more beautiful than those colorful fireworks!"
"Indeed I am," Jiro smiled and patted the pillow beside him.
"You look cute too, but you need to change into pajamas to sleep. It's getting late," he ordered.
"Hm."
Mizuki and Jiro shared a bed for two years now. Before, he would often sleep on the floor, or a chair, outside the house, on a tree trunk, and even on the rooftop. Mizuki pitied him and felt that she should reciprocate the kindness he's been giving her. Therefore, she allowed him to sleep comfortably beside her.